Sir Chris Hoy: How to Win Gold shows that the former cyclist is a winner for a
reason, says Michael Hogan

With the Commonwealth Games about to start in his native Scotland, who better to give our current crop of athletes a pep talk than former cyclist Chris Hoy? Britain’s greatest ever Olympian, after all, won one silver and six gold medals across four Olympic Games, as well as being 11-time world champion.

This film sees the ever-gentlemanly Hoy reflect on his career and how he achieved his phenomenal success. Hoy firmly believes that champions are made, not born, so explains the physical and psychological processes he underwent to make sure he was the best in his field.

He meets fellow British champions for revealing chats about what pushed them to the top of their respective games. Rower Steve Redgrave pinpoints sheer desire, more than skill, as the key factor. Swimmer Rebecca Adlington, who won one of her golds by a fingertip, discusses the tiny details that can make the difference.

For heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis, it was all about tactics and psyching out opponents. Tennis star Andy Murray – who suffered Wimbledon disappointment a few weeks ago – discusses his determination to prove people wrong and dealing with the nation’s hopes resting on him.

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Now 38, Hoy hung up his Lycra shorts after London 2012 and the documentary also follows him as he sets out to achieve his next goal: to drive for a pro-motor racing team in the Le Mans 24 Hour race. You’d be a fool to bet against him.

Sir Chris Hoy: How to Win Gold is on BBC One on Tuesday 22 July at 10.45pm